The first lessonOn Friday 30 November 07, the first ballet lessons started in the high school gymnasium and will continue there only until Christmas time. After the holidays, the lessons will be held in the old secondary school, which is going to be transformed into the dance school. It will be dedicated for the children of Hydra to learn ballet, modern dance and acrobatics.

However, it hasn’t been easy achieving this goal. Going through ideas of low cost, how and where, Mrs. Maria Marselou (better known as the headmistress) told us how they got motivated.

The high schoolYoung girls were constantly asking ‘why aren’t there any ballet classes on the island. They seem to achieve it elsewhere, why not in Hydra?’ Good question!

After searching, talking, and looking at different places, the old secondary school seemed to be the perfect place.

This is a project in itself for the community of Hydra, to work together and to achieve this dream for our children. There has been no help from the town council or any other organisation. Money still has to be raised to make sure the existing wooden floors are in tact, mirrors are bought, bars be installed and paint work refreshed. Stretching outSome money has already been donated but there’s still a way to go. The school will hopefully be ready after the Christmas holidays to teach in.

The lessons are taught during the weekends at a cost of 25 euros per month per child.  The monthly fee will go to pay wages, travelling expenses and any left over will go directly back into the school.

Being a ballet fanatic myself (having learnt for eight years), I went to watch the first lessons. I was thrilled to see how excited all the girls were and watched the effort on their faces trying to do everything so perfect for the first time, like pointing their toes!

Girls waiting impatiently for lessons to beginGiggles erupted when some of the girls couldn’t quite get their bottoms tucked in properly! It was superb. Lena the teacher (who has been brought in from Athens) was wonderful with them, a real professional.

For so many years I have wanted my daughter to learn ballet and at last she and many others have been given the chance.

Hope for the future of Hydra, as we will see the dance school prosper and grow. A big thank you must be given to Poppy Lambropoulos, Loukia Loulou and Maria Marselou for making this possible.